Happy uposatha day everyone! Just in case anyone needs a quick review of the 8 precepts I've included them below:

The Eight Precepts:1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyamiI undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyamiI undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.3. Abrahmacariya veramani sikkhapadam samadiyamiI undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity.4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyamiI undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyamiI undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.6. Vikalabhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyamiI undertake the precept to refrain from eating at the forbidden time (i.e., after noon).7. Nacca-gita-vadita-visukkadassana mala-gandha-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhusanathana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyamiI undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.8. Uccasayana-mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyamiI undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.

Thanks for starting this observance club. I'm looking forward to learning to keep the 8 precepts on Uposatha dates as a way to strengthen my practice. I took off this past Friday from work for a personal Vesak day and enjoyed it as a time for being alone, quiet and reflective. I am looking forward to the 28th as well, it has been a full month of activities around here!

Random question: At time is the uposatha considered to have begun? This seems like it could have practical implications in terms of observing the Eight Precepts, and the eighth in particular. I am planning on sleeping on the floor in observance of this particular precept but I don't know if I am should do so the night before the uposatha or the night of the uposatha. I go to bed fairly late (usually after midnight) due to my job and my own proclivities.

Thanks!

Eric

I do not want my house to be walled in on sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.- Gandhi

With persistence aroused for the highest goal's attainment, with mind unsmeared, not lazy in action, firm in effort, with steadfastness & strength arisen, wander alone like a rhinoceros.

Not neglecting seclusion, absorption, constantly living the Dhamma in line with the Dhamma, comprehending the danger in states of becoming, wander alone like a rhinoceros.- Snp. 1.3

Khalil Bodhi wrote:I'm in the Facebook too. Incidentally, I think I saw you joined the Uposatha Observance Club!

Speaking of which, is it possible that the Uposatha Event Invitations specify whether it's the full-moon Uposatha or not?

Metta,Retro.

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding: Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)

Exalted in mind, just open and clearly aware, the recluse trained in the ways of the sages:One who is such, calmed and ever mindful, He has no sorrows! -- Udana IV, 7

retrofuturist wrote:Speaking of which, is it possible that the Uposatha Event Invitations specify whether it's the full-moon Uposatha or not?

That's a good idea. As is keeping an eye on the moon itself. Though if you do, you'll notice that the formula that is used for the calculation sometimes seems a little off. This is partly due to time-zone effects, but I don't think that's the complete explanation.